The city is making the switch to increase efficiency and convenience for pick-up crews and residents. The city hopes the new carts will create cleaner neighborhoods and keep out pesky rodents.

The new system begins July 8. Cart delivery began June 24 and will continue through Wednesday.

Here's what you need to know about the city's new garbage pick-up system.

New system, new schedule.

Starting July 8, the city will no longer collect garbage on Fridays. The new pick-up schedule runs Monday-Thursday. The new schedule map is available on the city's website, so residents can be sure to have their trash ready for collection on the correct days.

The city's new garbage collection schedule map. The new system begins July 8.(Photo: Courtesy of the city of Wisconsin Rapids)

Residents must still have their carts ready for collection by 6 a.m. on their given pick-up day. Carts have to be removed from the street within 24 hours of collection, according to the city's website.

The new plan doesn't include any changes to holiday pick-up. The city does not collect trash on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Collection will begin on the next working day following a holiday, according to the city's website. All collections are delayed one day after a recognized holiday.

Only city-issued carts will be accepted.

All residents will receive a 96-gallon or 48-gallon cart, depending on what they requested. The carts can be stored outside, but must have lids closed to avoid rainwater contamination and adding additional weight. No cart can weigh more than 300 pounds.

On pick-up days, carts should be placed within 1 foot of the curb or edge of pavement and at least 3 feet away from any other objects, such as a car, mailbox, light post or another cart, according to the city's website. This ensures that the mechanical arms on the garbage trucks have easy access to the carts.

Residents should make sure that the lid is closed and the serial number on the cart is facing the street. The arrow on the lid should be pointing at the street.

If you live in a neighborhood with an alleyway, you should leave the cart in the alleyway using the same guidelines, according to the city's website.

No trash should be sitting beside or on top of the cart.

You can change your cart size if you need to.

All residents were given the default 96-gallon cart, unless they requested a 48-gallon cart earlier this year when the city asked for each residents' preference.

If a resident decides they want a different size, he or see can contact the city garage at 715-421-8218. However, there is now a fee of $55 to change your cart size.

Items that don't fit in the cart won't be taken.

Large items like furniture, mattresses and appliances that don't fit in the cart won't be taken by collection workers, according to the city's website. Residents will need to dispose of any of those items through other means.